UNPRECEDENTED DEMAND!
Stall availability is limited.
We work to satisfy as many requests as possible but present demand strongly outweighs supply.
COMMUNITY GOALS
“REDUCE VEHICLE TRAFFIC ACROSS THE TRACKS”
“A WHISTLE-FREE TRAIN SUMMER”
RAILWAY CROSSING SAFETY
Let’s keep working on decreasing incidents at the crossing (less train whistles being blown).
Use caution when crossing and talk to others who are undertaking unsafe practices.
Loss of our CPR crossing agreement is not what we want!
Thank you in advance for taking time to inform all family and friends about the importance of respecting the CPR crossing and the gravity of the consequences.
VEHICULAR TRAFFIC OVER THE TRACKS
Vehicles going through the gate must be licensed and insured. Vehicle drivers must hold a valid driver’s license.
PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC AT CROSSING
Please use the designated gated pathway to cross the railway tracks. Pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles. Please do not stand on tracks – quickly move across the tracks!
ACCIDENT PREVENTION
Reduce vehicular traffic over the tracks will lessen possible vehicle incidents with pedestrians and trains!
Don’t race across tracks to beat the train!
CPR SAFETY
TRAINS CANNOT SWERVE OR STOP – THEY HIT WHAT IS ON THE TRACK!
Railway safety and the vital role you play in keeping your family and friends safe is important.
Remember:
- Only cross the railway tracks at the designated crossing.
- STOP, LOOK, LISTEN AND LIVE!
- If you see a train approaching, stop and wait in a safe place away from the tracks.
- Children should be accompanied by an adult when crossing the tracks.
- Do not walk on or along the tracks.
Incidents with CPR are reported to us. Not obeying the above CPR safety rules will result in the revoking of beach and marina privileges.
KNOW YOUR LAKE
SPEED LIMITS NEAR THE SHORELINE
There is a general non-posted 10 kpm speed limit within 30 meters (100 feet) of the shoreline.
CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY
Columbia Lake is shallow and warm, hence, the threat of invasive/non-native aquatic plants and species (like Eurasian Watermilfoil and Zebra/Quagga Mussel) being introduced to Columbia Lake is a real concern.
If introduced, reproduction and spread would happen quickly. Before leaving a body of water Clean, Drain and Dry your watercraft (including kayaks, paddleboards, trailer, etc) and all ancillary equipment (life jackets, waders, fishing gear, etc,) before using them again on Columbia Lake.
Learn more about playing your part to CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your watercraft can be found HERE.
COLUMBIA LAKE STEWARDSHIP SOCIETY(CLSS)
By the marina ramp, take a peek at map published by CLSS that outlines environmentally sensitive areas around Columbia Lake.
Learn interesting facts about Columbia Lake HERE!
COLUMBIA LAKE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
Read the details about the CLMS on the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) website HERE.
Seasonal Marina Stall Fee Increase
Marina fees have not increased since 2021. For the 2026 season, the Seasonal Marina Stall Fee has increased. All other fees have remained the same.
Marina Channel Dredging Progress Update
And the saga continues … we are still awaiting final consultations between the Ministry of Environment and the First Nations. Hoping to dredge this September, but who knows.
In preparation, in case we receive permission, we have (will be) installed fencing along the edge of the marina to prevent any painted turtles from nesting in the marina before the dredging begins (this will be done in May).
If or when, we receive approvals, the rest of the mitigation activities will have to be done including fish and mussel salvage.
We apologize for the delays, but we never believed the approval would turn out to be such an extreme and lengthy endeavour. We know that the channel is getting shallow and the lack of snowpack this winter may not bode well for a high lake level.
We will keep you posted.
No Uninsured Vehicles to Use CPKC Crossing
Vehicles going through the gate must be licensed and insured.
Please inform your broker and have them add golf carts to your home insurance policy.
Vehicle drivers must hold a valid driver’s license.
An increased number of vehicles crossing the railway track is a concern. Vehicles should be used only to transport gas to boats or launch watercraft. Remember to park vehicles on the west side of tracks and walk across the tracks to access the beach facilities. Excess crossings may result in card key being deactivated.
Boat Purchase Considerations
Please consider the size of the stalls when purchasing a boat since stall sizes will remain as is. Pontoon stalls are limited so please contact us if considering a pontoon boat. Wake boats are not encouraged since their operation causes damage to the lake’s bottom and shoreline.
Boat Insurance Requirement
All watercraft using the marina facilities must be insured.
Reduce Marina Park Lot Congestion
Please park vehicles in the parking lot west of the tracks and walk across the tracks with your beach items. Crossing the tracks in vehicles with beach items causes unnecessary delays, congestion and boat lines for families launching their boat for the day. Please be considerate.
Upper Parking Lot Limitations
If possible, on busy days please take your watercraft/boat trailer back to your home since the upper parking lot which is allotted for vehicles with trailers is limited (families using their watercraft/boat for the day). And park accordingly and respectfully, remembering this parking lot is allotted for vehicles with trailers.
Better Boat Exiting Practice from the Channel
It has come to our attention that there are boats that exit the marina channel and turn sharply to the east to water ski along the east shore of the lake.
Both the north end and east shore of the Columbia Lake are high ecological valued areas on the lake. Please head directly south from the marina channel and keep your distance from the east shore to prevent wakes from disturbing the reeds and shoreline in these areas.
See map for sensitive areas on the lake.
Watercraft Removal from Kayak Racks
If not using your watercraft on the racks by the bathroom, please remove them to allow families using their watercraft on a regular basis to use the racks.
FireSmart – A Community Commitment
Please support our community board, local community members and the RDEK on FireSmart initiatives. Let’s continue to be a FireSmart community. Learn more about FireSmart here.
Love Our Lake – Learn More About it!
Dave and I have been involved in the protection of Columbia Lake for over 40 years. The lake is the reason we love it here!
Click here to learn more about Columbia Lake, the work of Columbia Lake Stewardship Society and how you can do your part on protecting the lake.
Previous Year’s News Highlights
Continual Support to Not Allowing Short Term Rentals
We continue to support the Columere Park Community Association (CPCA) with their endeavor to limit Short Term Rentals (STR) within Columere Park by not granting marina and vehicle gate access to homeowners using their homes for STR (AirB&B, VRBO, etc) . If you have any questions, please contact us.
Kids (and Adults) Not Allowed To Access Beach Through Vehicle Gate
Children have been waiting for the vehicle gate to open to access the beach. This gate is meant for vehicles only, not pedestrians. This vehicle lane needs to be clear of pedestrians so vehicles with/without trailers can freely enter and exit without pedestrian interference and to avoid any train incidents.
Also, children have been squeezing between the vehicle gate and gate post – dangerous and not allowed.
Please talk to your children regarding these matters.
No Gasoline to be Left on Docks
Please remove gasoline cans from docks and use anti-static mats on the docks when refueling your boat.
Who Owns Watercraft/Sailboats Left at Doggie Beach? Please Contact Us
If you are using the doggie beach for parking your sailboat/watercraft, please contact us with the make and model of your watercraft. It is important for the community to monitor this sensitive area on the north end of the lake and to reduce clutter such as tires, wood etc. This watercraft information will be collected to get a better understanding on how this area is being used and to keep contact information on record in case of an emergency.
Every Card Key Requires a Signed Waiver
If you have a card key, please ensure that every year you sign a waiver.
Prior to Marina Information Received Each Year
Prior to receiving the annual marina information, if you wish to rent a stall before the May long weekend, please contact us.
Lake, Boating and Marina Rules
We want to ensure that you experience a seamless marina experience all season long. Please refer to the following:
The Marina’s “Rules & Regulations” can be found HERE.
NOTE: Community Association website and emails end in “.ca”
Fires – Planes and Helicopters
When planes and helicopters are filling up on the lake during fire season, PLEASE stay clear of the center of the lake so operators can do their vital fire control jobs.
Boats and Other Watercraft Used Outside of Columbia Lake
If you use your boat, trailer, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, tubes, life jackets, etc in other waters, please Clean, Drain and Dry before using these items in Columbia Lake. The threat of invasive/non-native aquatic plants and species (like Eurasian Watermilfoil and Zebra/Quagga Mussel) being introduced to Columbia Lake is a real concern.
Who has right of way – boats leaving or boats entering the marina?
Since most people can see boats coming out of the marina from the lake, boats exiting the marina are given the right of way
Stay Alert when Coming In and Out of the Marina
Please stay alert when maneuvering your boat in the marina and channel.
Securing Your Boat
PLEASE ensure your boat is tied up tight to dock to protect the boat beside you.
Can Family and Friends Use the Marina?
Unaccompanied family and friends of Columere Park property owners are not permitted to use the launching facilities or marina stalls.
Refueling Boats
Please use the anti-static refueling mat when refueling a boat. Mats are located on the docks.
Parking at the Marina Launch
Due to congestion, only park by the launch when bringing fuel or large equipment down to your boat.
Where to Park Vehicles with Trailers
Due to limited parking on the marina side of tracks, please park vehicles with trailers in the upper parking by bulletin board.
Boat Insurance
Boat owners must have insurance on their boats to use the marina facilities.
Gate and Card Key Information
Gate Not Working?
Phone calls are appreciated when gate is not working.
If card key does not open gate, it could simply mean a computer glitch.
If the automated gate is not working and the manual gate is being used, please ensure that the gate is closed.
A closed gate is a mandatory requirement by CPR.
Card Key Not Working?
Your card key may not work because community dues are unpaid, marina fees are unpaid, waiver is not signed or in some cases the card key is defective.
Prohibit Use of Card Key to Allow Others Access through Gate
Do not use your card key to allow other vehicles through the marina gate. If a family’s card key is not working, there is normally a reason (see above).
Marina Stall Rental Requests and Invoicing
Who to Call for Marina Inquiries?
Please call Donna @ 250-342-5174 or email marina@columerepark.com
Your Marina Status
We have placed families into 1 of 4 categories:
- Seasonal Marina Stall Renter
- Marina Stall Waiting List Community Member (on the waiting list to be a Seasonal Marina Stall Renter – can request weekly stall rentals and a seasonal stall rental, IF one is available)
- Card Key Holder (only requests a card key to launch watercraft – no request to a rent stall)
- Community Member (everyone else)
You know your status by the salutation used in your email!!!
Stall Rental Request if on the Waiting List
We make every effort to satisfy a family’s request to rent a marina stall for a few weeks during their summer vacation time.
With limited number of stalls and more families requesting time in the marina, the opportunity to rent a stall for the season while on the waiting list is becoming more difficult.
It is important to specify which weeks during the summer so we can at least try to satisfy your weekly requests.